Our tester says: “I’m used to the close shave of a five-blade razor in the shower, so it was nice to be able to actually sit down comfortably and dry with a razor without having to contort myself as I do in the shower,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine. “The shaver gave a pretty close shave, pretty quickly along the bikini line. For the bikini area, I added the attachment and used it wet. It didn’t achieve as close of a shave as my manual five-blade razor, but I love the convenience of the dry shave and I’m all for using it for a trim on my bikini line and dry legs when I’m short on time. (It was also great for my upper lip.)”
Best for Touch-ups: Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover
- What we love: Compact enough to fit into a toiletry or purse; has a built-in light; gentle on sensitive skin; affordable
- Worth considering: Not rechargeable; not designed for thicker, coarser hair than facial
This compact rotary shaver is mini enough to stash in a bag or drawer for quick touch-ups—perfect for surprise chin hairs or fine facial hair that reveal themselves in certain light. Our tester found the Gillette especially useful for the upper lip and precise enough to clean up between her brows. The rotary blade glides smoothly and gently across the skin, and the built-in light makes it easier to catch those sneaky, hard-to-see strands. It’s battery-powered, so while it’s not rechargeable, there’s no bulky cord to store.
Our tester says: “I’ve been a loyal Finishing Touch Flawless user for years, so needless to say, I was skeptical trying this facial hair remover for the first time,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “The design is similar to the Finishing Touch one, but it’s slightly more compact and smaller. I found that it did a nice job of buzzing off some peach fuzz around my upper lip area and in between my eyebrows and it didn’t leave my skin red or burning after the fact, either. It was quick, easy, totally painless, and I’d recommend this one for anyone with sensitive skin on your face. Is it enough for me to abandon my Finishing Touch? No, but I will definitely keeping it as a backup or an option I can throw in my bag if I’m traveling.”
Best for Travel: Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver
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Original photo from Glamour copy director Talley Sue Hohlfeld testing Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver
- What we love: Affordable; compact size; easy to clean; can be used on wet or dry skin
- Worth considering: Better suited for body than face; requires two AAA batteries that are not included
This under-$20 cordless foil shaver is a smart pick for travel—compact, lightweight, and easy to toss in a toiletry bag.
This under-$20 cordless foil shaver is great to have on hand for quick leg and underarm touch-ups—especially if it slips your mind in the shower. It can be used on wet or dry skin, and its shave lasts longer than a manual razor’s does, says our tester, who appreciates the angled dual blades and easy-to-clean design. The special head design lifts, guides, and cuts flat-lying hairs, which helps deliver smoother results—especially around the bikini area. You can use it on wet or dry skin, and the palm-size pick is compact enough to toss in a toiletry bag, with a pink blade cover that’s easy to spot. Just note: It runs on two batteries (not included) and is best for body hair, not facial fuzz.
Our tester says: “Since I almost exclusively wear dresses in summer, it’s time to start shaving my legs again. I often forget in the shower, so I was pleased to see this Remington shaver will work outside it,” says Glamour copy director Talley Sue Hohlfeld. “I have to go a bit slower than I do with a traditional razor, but the shave lasts longer. The razor is easy to hold, and the two main blades are mounted at different angles, so it works on all sorts of body parts. It’s easy to snap the blades off to clean. I think what I like most is that the blade cover for travel is a pink to match the razor—which means I won’t lose it in a dark toiletry bag.”
All your questions about electric razors for women, answered
How we chose electric razors
We researched expert-recommended and best-selling electric razors before narrowing the list down to 12 models to have tested by seven contributors. Each one was used on areas like the legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip, and cheeks, following manufacturer instructions and trying any included attachments. Testers provided feedback based on the razor’s overall design, comfort on sensitive skin, ability to navigate curves and tricky spots, effectiveness, battery life, waterproofness, ease of cleaning, and value for the price.
How to shop for an electric razor
- Think about where you’ll shave most often. Larger areas like legs benefit from wider shaving heads, while smaller or contoured spots—like the bikini line or underarms—are easier to manage with more compact, precise designs.
- Match the razor to your grooming style. If you like options, look for devices with multiple attachments or interchangeable heads for both trimming and shaving.
- Prioritize comfort and control. An ergonomic handle can help you navigate curves and harder-to-reach areas more easily.
- Go cordless and waterproof, if possible. These features let you shave in the shower and make it easier to fit grooming into your routine, wherever you are.
- Look for a long-lasting battery. A solid charge means less time plugged in and more reliable performance.
- Opt for easy-to-clean designs. Built-up hair, skin, or product can dull performance and trigger irritation—look for razors that rinse clean or come with cleaning tools.
- Consider your skin’s sensitivity. If you’re prone to irritation, choose a razor designed for sensitive skin or one with features like hypoallergenic foils or rounded heads.
How to use an electric razor
Start by exfoliating and cleaning the bikini area, which removes dead skin cells, creates a smoother surface for shaving, and reduces the risk of irritation and ingrown hair. Trimming or shaving in the shower will be more comfortable than shaving dry, since the force required to cut through hair is lower than when it’s dry, says Caitlin Orszulak, senior scientist at P&G Grooming.
When shaving your face, apply light pressure and go against the grain for a closer result. A foil razor works best here—stick to short, straight strokes and keep the skin taut for better contact.
For the body (like legs), foil razors perform well on flatter areas, while rotary razors may feel more comfortable on curves such as knees or underarms. Move in long, steady motions and let the razor glide—avoid pressing down.
In the bikini area, where skin is more sensitive, Dr. Westbay recommends reaching for a foil razor or a bikini trimmer, which are more precise and gentler. Stick to slow, careful passes, and start with a guard or trimming attachment if your device includes one to help prevent nick
Which razor gives the closest shave for women?
“Manual razors provide the closest shave since there’s nothing between the blade and the skin,” says Lillian Tung, co-founder and CMO at hair and skin-care company Fur. The guards on electric razors bar you from getting the super smooth shave you might from a straight razor.
Still, while they don’t shave as closely as manual razors, electric shavers offer a good balance of comfort and safety, with minimal risk of cuts. For smooth results with less risk, foil razors are a great option. “They’re designed to cut hair really close to the skin and work best if you shave regularly,” says Dr. Westbay. “They are most effective on flat areas, so you might have to go over curves a couple of times.”
Is one type of razor best for use along the bikini area?
Most experts agree that electric trimmers and foil razors designed specifically for the pubic region are your best bet—especially if you have sensitive skin. “An electric trimmer is often recommended as it’s more gentle and less likely to cause irritation,” says Faisal Al-Jabri, founder and CEO of beauty and skin-care brand RoseSkinCo. He notes that trimmers offer better control and customizable length settings. Foil razors also work well because of their precision and gentler glide. In contrast, standard electric razors—especially rotary types not designed for pubic hair—can create too much friction and increase the risk of razor burn or ingrown hairs.
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